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While it doesn’t expose gear to as much potential damage as off-grid and outdoor use, commuting in the city does put its own unique stresses and rigors on everyday carry items. And while you can typically get away with using most pieces of EDC kit in major metropolitan areas, there does exist an array of gear that objectively lends itself particularly well to use in today’s sprawling urban jungles. So, if you’ve got a friend, family member, or loved one who happens to commute in the big city, day in and day out, rain or shine, we’ve got the perfect list of potential presents for this holiday season in this handpicked guide to the best gifts for the urban commuter.
Article Overview
Chrome Kadet Max
Though there are plenty of slings, briefcases, and messenger bags on the market right now, few are as conducive to commuting as Chrome Industries’ Kadex Max, whether you’re walking, skating, taking public transit, or riding on two-wheels. Completely impervious to the elements, the Kadet Max is cut from an insanely-rugged amalgamation of ballistic-grade 1,680-denier nylon, 1,050-denier nylon, and 600-denier polyester, plus comes trimmed in a 150-denier recycled polyester liner. With 15 liters of storage space — plus exterior cargo straps that allow even more gear to be carried on the outside of the bag — the Chrome’s Kadet Max is fairly compact yet still offers just enough real estate to accommodate the gear, tech, garments, and other items needed for traveling to and from work. It’s also got a built-in tech organizer and a padded laptop sleeve capable of housing notebooks of up to 16”.
In typical Chrome fashion, this tough-as-nails messenger bag-briefcase hybrid sports a unique design that’s not only offered in over half-a-dozen color options, but that’s also able to be further personalized via its seatbelt-style buckle which is now swappable. And, while it’s incredibly rugged, should some element fail, Chrome stands behind the product with a generous lifetime warranty against all material or workmanship defects.
Black Ember Magnetic Key-Leash
A key leash is an absolute must for anyone commuting on two-wheels as it provides a secure means of ensuring their keys won’t accidentally get dropped or misplaced while en route to or from the office or job site. This particular model from Black Ember is crafted from a hardwearing amalgamation of laser-cut Hypalon synthetic leather and aircraft-grade black-anodized T6 aluminum, and features an included titanium keyring and a magnetic-coupling Fidlock buckle. It’s also long enough that it allows the keys to rest in its user’s back pocket while still clipped to a belt loop.
crankbrothers M20 Multi-Tool
From potholes and cracks in the road to damaged sidewalks to cobblestones, cities tend to feature a myriad of hazards that bicycles face when commuting. Couple this with the need to make frequent adjustments and perform routine maintenance and it’s not hard to see why we always recommend carrying a decent bike-specific multi-tool when commuting on two-wheels. Despite measuring only 3.5” x 1.88” x 0.74”, the crankbrothers M20 Multi-Tool features 20 high-tensile steel tools including an 8mm open wrench, #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 hex wrenches, #0, 1, and #2 spoke wrenches, a chain tool, a tire plug toolplus tire plugs, a valve core removal tool, a rotor straightener, T-10 and T-25 Torx bits, and Phillips #1 and #2 bits plus a flathead #1 bit. Tipping the scales at 7.1oz, the M20 also sports an included carrying case and a lifetime warranty.
Code of Bell BASI[X] Vapor Hat
X-Pac sailcloth is one of the most rugged and waterproof backpack and bag constructions on the planet at the moment, though we have yet to see this structured material applied to the creation of a garment or clothing accessory. At least, until now, with the introduction of Code of Bell’s BASI[X] Vapor Hat. Made for daily use, this ridiculously durable hat sports the profile of a normal baseball cap, but sees it brought to life in lightweight, ultra-rugged X-Pac ECOPAK fabric. Decorated in a rubber CofB logo, this hat also features a soft, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial inner head band, a self-locking rear size adjuster, a reflective loop on the rear, a perforated curved visor on the front, and custom-designed main panels with laser-cut slits and vents to bolster airflow.
JBL Endurance Race TWS
Earbuds are perfect for commuting, and the JBL Endurance Race TWS are an excellent choice for anyone who pilots a two-wheeler thanks to a commuter-friendly list of features including 6mm drivers with JBL Pure Bass Sound and a dynamic frequency response range of 20Hz to 20 kHz, plus active noise canceling with both Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, and connectivity tot the JBL Headphones app that allows the user to adjust the EQ or active or alter the ANC settings and modes. Thanks to a handful of included tip sizes and JBL’s Twistlock technology, these earbuds do a phenomenal job of remaining in its user’s ear and not coming loose, even during intense movement or workouts — or when commuting on a bicycle. It doesn’t end there, though, as this pair of earbuds also themselves provide 10 hours of playback time while the case holds an additional 20 hours of life. What’s more, just 10 minutes of charging unlocks an additional hour of listening time.
POC One Air WF MIPS
A slew of today’s best motorcycle and motocross helmets rely on MIPS technology to massively bolster their ability to absorb and disperse impact energy. And it’s this same state-of-the-art helmet technology that POC’s One Air WF MIPS benefits from. On top of that, the One Air WF MIPS also boasts a super aerodynamic form, and a polycarbonate shell set over an EPS liner. The four-point chin strap on this helmet also comes supplemented via a BOA-like rotatable ratcheting fitment system that lets the helmet’s fit be perfectly dialed in with incredible ease, ensuring an ultra-snug fit and enabling it to offer even more robust protection. The entire things weighs just 11oz, too.
Peak Design Motorcycle Bar Mount
With a lightweight, minimalistic design that’s ridiculously rugged and secure thanks to a premium material selection and a proprietary, magnetic-coupling quick-release mounting setup, Peak Design’s Bicycle and Motorcycle Bar Mounts unquestionably provide one of the best — and most secure — options for mounting your smartphone to your two-wheeler. This already outstanding design has now been upgraded to provide wireless charging while the phone is attached to the mount — though you can still purchase the non-wireless-charging model. It is crucial to note that these mounts are only compatible with Peak Design’s Everyday phone cases.
GoPro HERO
Running an action camera as part of your daily gear loadout is always a good idea when commuting on two-wheels, as it not only allows you to capture footage of anything interesting that may happen on your commute, but it also serves as a stellar means of insurance if you’re ever hit or involved in an accident. When buying an action camera, it’s always worth checking out the latest and greatest options from the undisputed leader in the space, GoPro. And right now, the latest and greatest option happens to be GoPro’s HERO. The company’s smallest 4K mode to date, the HERO is completely waterproof and features a tiny body with a built-in display, plus the ability to record 4K30 video and take 12MP photos.
Chrome industries x RAB Equipment Downpour Jacket
RAB Equipment is responsible for churning out some of the best outdoor garments for braving the elements while camping or out on the trails. So, when Chrome Industries wanted to deliver the ultimate commuter rain jacket, they joined forces with RAB to develop the Downpour Jacket. Extremely lightweight and packable while being completely and totally impervious to the elements, this jacket features a tailored fit with articulation engineered specifically for cycling, along with a two-way YKK AquaGuard main zipper, extended cuffs and a drop hem keep moisture out, two hand pockets supplemented via a zippered lumbar pocket, and a hood that’s designed to fit over a helmet. Chrome also sells a matching Downpour Pant that pairs perfectly with the above jacket.
Hiplok D1000
Regardless if your two-wheeler of choice is a bicycle or motorcycle, one unfortunate realty of residing in a big city is that bike and moto theft is rampant. When it comes to securing a two-wheeler, one of the best and most secure options that money can currently buy is unequivocally the Hiplok D1000. Compatible with Hiplok’s AX100 and A1000 ground and wall anchors, this D-lock features a proprietary and design and construction that makes it incredibly resistant to attacks from angle-grinders — the primary tool used by bike thieves. The thing is made all the more secure via its square profile which guards against bolt-cutter attacks and a graphene-reinforced hardened steel shackle. It might not come cheap, but this is the best protection out there right now — and as such makes for a great gift for anyone commuting on two-wheels.
SUPER73-S2 SE
If you want to do something really specific for the urban commuter in your life this holiday season, we’d recommend picking up the SUPER73-S2 SE. A lightweight cafe-style ebike that offers plenty of power though doesn’t require a license, the S2 SE offers roughly 30-mph speeds and a range of up to 45 miles per charge. Capable of carrying a passenger, the S2 is also wildly conducive to customization and makes for a great winter project — which in turn makes for an even better gift, especially if given with a few aftermarket parts that the recipient can install over the holiday break.
